First Lady Backs Sen. Seymour : Politics: Barbara Bush appears at Irvine event that raises $175,000. She refuses to criticize Hillary Clinton.

First Lady Barbara Bush gave U.S. Sen. John Seymour’s primary campaign a boost Tuesday, appearing at a fund-raiser that drew about 400 people, including couples who paid $500 to attend and others who donated $1,000 to have their pictures taken with her.

When asked whether the President endorses Seymour over his GOP rivals, Barbara Bush quipped that the answer was obvious because “he sent me.” She added: “George Bush is supporting him 100%.”

“John (Seymour) is very important. We need him . . . in the Senate. I’m out here campaigning for John,” she said, then paused before adding “and a tad for George Bush.”

Barbara Bush’s presence was credited with helping to raise $175,000 at the event at the Fluor Corp.’s Irvine complex. “She’s a good draw,” remarked Seymour, who later said his campaign finances are “on target, despite the recession and a lot of competition.”

Running against Seymour for the GOP Senate nomination are Rep. William E. Dannemeyer of Fullerton, professor Bill Allen and Glendale dentist Jim Trinity.

During a reception in Fluor’s atrium, the First Lady told the gathering that her husband’s No. 1 achievement is: “Every man, woman and child has awakened to a freer and safer world.”

She said the biggest problem facing the nation today is “the breakdown of the family unit.”

After the reception, Barbara Bush left for Oklahoma and another appearance.

Earlier Tuesday, she joined Gayle Wilson--wife of Gov. Pete Wilson--and Los Angeles Schools Supt. William Anton in awarding 200 scholarships of $500 and more to disadvantaged students from the school district.

In Orange County, the First Lady declined to criticize Hillary Clinton’s recent remarks, in which the wife of the Democratic front-runner--Gov. Bill Clinton of Arkansas--said she would be a different kind of First Lady because she had never chosen to stay home and “bake cookies.”

“Everybody’s different, and that’s a great thing,” Bush said.

However, she added: “We’re talking about two men . . . and I’ve got the better candidate.”

When asked whether she would campaign in Orange County for Rep. Robert K. Dornan of Garden Grove or other incumbents, Bush said: “I sure would if he asks me.”

Then she added with a laugh: “Don’t you tell Bob that.”